New to backpacking?

The desire to explore the outdoors can be contagious. Once you have begun trekking, you’ll be adding to your adventures wish list and wanting to venture out more.

Starting out to roam and discover untouched wilderness can be a little unsettling if you haven’t had much experience. It’s best to begin with a small group guided walk of a few days’ duration. A short itinerary is a good way to trial the experience and work out what you do and don’t like.

Shorter, introductory trips are great, as you get to experience the highlights and carry a full backpack for a couple days so it’s not too strenuous. Coupled with fitness training and more experience, longer itineraries will be achievable and desirable.

The key elements to ensuring a memorable experience are choosing the right destination, travelling with a quality and experienced operator, and having the right gear to ensure your comfort.

An ideal beginner trek is the 4 days/3 nights The Walls of Jerusalem Experience. It provides you with a sampler of hiking the area and you’ll get to summit several mountains including Mount Jerusalem, The Temple and Solomons. You’ll also see Tasmania’s last remaining ancient pencil pine forests. The walk is structured so that you carry a full backpack (14 – 18kgs) on the first and last day, and only a day pack on the two middle days. This trip is by far the best option for full backpack beginners.

Another great introductory itinerary and destination to explore is the Freycinet Circuit Walk. On the East Coast of Tasmania, you’ll explore the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Being on the East Coast you marvel at watching the sunrise over the Tasman Sea and get close encounters with the wildlife. This is a Great Walks of Tasmania trip, showcasing a stunning area and one on every adventurer’s wish list. This itinerary includes 4 days/3 nights carrying your full backpack each day.

The Overland Track is an internationally renowned track traversing the sub-alpine plateaus of Tasmania’s World Heritage Listed wilderness area. This 6 days/5 nights trek with a full backpack includes 3 food drops along the way, minimising the need for the group to carry heavy amounts of food. A highlight of this trip is the summit of Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak, where the views are unsurpassed.

On these trips you will be carrying your own personal items, so remember to only bring essential items. Trekking is not about fashion, it’s about getting out into the great outdoors and immersing yourself with nature. It’s acceptable to wear a t-shirt or pants more than once.

Ensure your gear is light-weight with insulation, waterproof and you have layers to peel off when you’re feeling warm from the hike. Comfortable hiking boots are a must with good quality socks to prevent blisters. Tasmanian Expeditions provides the camping equipment and gear including an empty backpack for your use.

The great outdoors is out there for you to explore, join a small guided group adventure today and enjoy the backpacking experience.

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The Overland Track is one of Australia's iconic walking trails. Hike in summer or view the beautiful wilderness in a snowy winter wonderland. Several itineraries to choose from self-guided or guided in a small group. View trips: bit.ly/2FHThr9 ... See MoreSee Less

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Last minute deal - SAVE 20% off the Freycinet Experience Walk departing on 25 January 2019. Enjoy the long weekend discovering one of Tasmania's best coastlines. Click here for trip details: bit.ly/2Rufqjx Call us now - 1300 666 856 ... See MoreSee Less